Gold Note IS-1000 MKII DELUXE black

The Gold Note IS-1000 DELUXE MKII represents the culmination of over two decades of Italian acoustic research. This integrated solution combines in a single chassis a Class AB amplifier, an MM/MC phono preamplifier, a high-resolution digital-to-analog converter, and a fully featured network streamer. A technological powerhouse that promises to radically simplify your hi-fi setup without compromising sound performance.

Italian craftsmanship meets modern engineering

The IS-1000 DELUXE MKII features a brushed aluminum chassis available in three finishes: black, silver, and gold. Gold Note’s signature ventilation slots, inherited from the award-winning PH-10 phono preamplifier, cascade elegantly across the top panel and side walls. Beyond their visual appeal, they contribute to the device’s thermal dissipation. The 600 VA toroidal transformer, mechanically decoupled from the chassis, sits at the heart of a carefully organized internal architecture designed to minimize electromagnetic interference.

The front color display clearly shows the volume level in large characters, while other parameters appear in smaller size. Navigation is handled by a single SKC (Single Knob Control) rotary encoder—press to power on, turn to adjust volume, and successive presses access the various menus. This minimalist interface conceals remarkable sophistication: the unit memorizes the preferences of each input and automatically adjusts settings when switching.

The supplied multifunction remote provides direct access to all functions, while the GN Control app, developed specifically for the IS-1000 MKII, turns your smartphone or tablet into a comprehensive control center. This proprietary app stands out for its intuitive ergonomics and stability, allowing you to manage both local sources and streaming services.

Amplification and exclusive technologies: controlled power

The amplification stage delivers 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling to 250 watts into 4 ohms. Class AB MOSFET transistors ensure total harmonic distortion below 0.005% at 5 watts, kept under 0.1% across the entire power range between 0.1 and 50 watts. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 100 dB on line and digital inputs, dropping to 80 dB for the MM phono input—figures that place the IS-1000 MKII among market benchmarks.

Gold Note includes a unique feature at this price point: an adjustable damping factor with two settings. The “High” setting (250) suits demanding speakers with large woofers that require firm cone control. The “Low” mode (25) simulates the behavior of a lower-powered tube amplifier, ideal for high-sensitivity speakers or bookshelf monitors. This flexibility allows you to tailor the sonic signature perfectly to your speakers’ characteristics without changing electronics.

The Booster function is another distinctive feature. Adjustable in three steps or disableable, it selectively increases gain around 50 Hz. This frequency, chosen after numerous listening sessions, corresponds to the point where small speakers typically struggle to reproduce deep bass. The Booster is particularly effective for late-night listening at low volume or to compensate for the acoustic limitations of a listening room.

An intelligent cooling system activates only when the volume reaches high levels. The fan, calibrated to remain inaudible even in operation, extends component lifespan without ever interfering with musical enjoyment.

Digital conversion and streaming: BurrBrown excellence

The DELUXE version stands out by integrating the BurrBrown PCM1792A converter, a significant evolution over the PCM1796 in the standard model. This DAC handles PCM signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz and converts DSD64 files to high-resolution PCM via the UPnP protocol. The choice of BurrBrown is no accident: Gold Note favors the natural musicality of these chips over the race for numeric specifications.

The digital stage is built around a 32-bit Cortex-M4 microcontroller, ensuring exemplary processing stability and minimal latency when changing formats. This processor also manages thermal safety protocols and optimizes conversion parameters in real time according to the selected source.

Network connectivity relies on dual Ethernet and Wi-Fi interfaces. The IS-1000 MKII is Roon Ready certified, ensuring seamless integration with this music management ecosystem. Tidal Connect enables direct streaming from the Tidal app (for units produced after serial number 79486). The device also supports Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, vTuner for web radio, as well as Deezer. MQA compatibility ensures decoding of Master Quality Authenticated files for Tidal users.

The IS-1000 MKII communicates natively with UPnP-certified media servers, including MinimServer and Bubble UPnP. This universality lets you access your music library stored on a NAS without complex configuration. The front USB-A port accepts USB sticks and external hard drives up to 32 GB formatted in FAT32 or NTFS, automatically recognizing AIFF, WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, and DSD64 formats.

Phono preamplification: Gold Note’s vinyl DNA

The integrated phono stage is derived directly from the PH-10, which has garnered multiple awards from the international specialist press. Compatible with moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, it offers remarkable flexibility for an integrated device. Unlike the PH-10, which offers multiple gain, load, and capacitance settings, the version integrated in the IS-1000 MKII adopts optimized values that cover the majority of cartridges on the market.

The phono circuit benefits from a separate power supply and enhanced shielding to minimize interference from other sections. The exceptionally low noise floor, even with low-output MC cartridges, allows micro-information etched in the groove to be retrieved without masking or coloration. The RIAA curve is adhered to with exemplary precision, ensuring faithful reproduction of vinyl recordings from every era.

Connectivity and scalability: ready for every scenario

The rear panel reveals connectivity designed to integrate into any setup. On the digital side, three Toslink optical inputs and one S/PDIF coaxial input accommodate CD players, game consoles, or TV set-top boxes. The USB-A input allows direct playback from removable storage media. The Ethernet port ensures a stable network connection for high-resolution streaming.

The analog section includes a balanced XLR input for high-end sources, an RCA input configurable as line or MM/MC phono, and a second RCA input programmable as a standard line input or AV bypass for home theater integration. Two RCA outputs complete the package: a fixed output (0 dB, 1.4 Vrms) for recording or connecting a headphone amplifier, and a variable output (+9.5 dB, 4 Vrms max) turning the IS-1000 MKII into a preamplifier for bi-amping or active speakers.

The 50-ohm output impedance ensures optimal compatibility with most power amplifiers and active speakers on the market. Externally accessible fuses (3.15 A T for 220–240 V, 6.3 A T for 100–120 V) facilitate maintenance without disassembly.

Technical specifications

Amplification

• Type: Class AB (Mosfet)
• Power: 125 W / 8 Ω at 1 kHz per channel
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% at 5 W, 0.1% from 0.1 to 50 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Damping factor: > 100
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB (line/digital), > 80 dB (phono MM)
• Booster function: adjustable to 3 levels, enhances bass around 50 Hz

Digital-to-analog conversion

• Deluxe model: BurrBrown PCM1792A
• Supported formats: PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz and DSD64
• High-resolution playback via USB, network, or NAS server

Phono preamplification

• Supported types: MM / MC
• Developed from the award-winning PH-10
• Allows direct connection of turntables

Connectivity and streaming

• Network: Ethernet and Wi‑Fi
• Protocols and services: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect (from S/N 79486), MQA, AirPlay, vTuner, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect
• Media servers: MinimServer, BubbleUPnP, all certified UPnP servers

Inputs and outputs

• Digital inputs:
  • 1 x RCA coaxial (PCM 24 / 192)
  • 3 x optical Toslink (PCM 24 / 192)
  • 1 x USB-A (DSD64 / PCM 24 / 192, FAT32 / NTFS, max 32 GB)
• Analog inputs:
  • 1 x balanced XLR
  • 1 x RCA line / phono MM / MC
  • 1 x RCA line / AV
• Analog outputs:
  • 1 x fixed RCA (0 dB, 1.4 Vrms)
  • 1 x variable RCA (+9.5 dB, 4 Vrms max)
• Output impedance: 50 Ω

Power supply

• Voltage: 100 – 120 V / 220 – 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Consumption: 30 – 400 W max, standby < 0.5 W
• Fuses: 3.15 A T (220 – 240 V) / 6.3 A T (100 – 120 V)

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 430 x 135 x 375 mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 18 kg net / 23 kg packaged

Accessories and control

• Multifunction remote control included
• GN Control app for smartphone and tablet